Fledglings Fly into July!

[BlueEyeshadow]

Welcome to the July 2012 Fledgling Flyers thread. Park your mops, buckets and microfibre cloths here!!

A huge "thank you" to SanguineChompa for leading us throughout June!!

If your house is a mess and you are strugging with C.H.A.O.S. (can't have anyone over syndrome) and S.T.U.F.F. (something that undermines family fun) then this is the thread where we (loosely) follow the step-by-step Flylady housekeeping system (in our own, unique, relaxed style) with lots of chat, support and wine along the way.

We advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be inundated! All the information you need will be linked here on a daily basis.

From the first of the month, we will be following Flylady's tips on restoring order to our homes, and as we are all at different stages we will be using one of the following methods:

• repeat or start baby steps

• repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

• reinforce babysteps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering.

All welcome!!

Apologies for starting the thread so late - it took SC lobbing the duster at me to make me remember it's July tomorrow (and I've blatantly cut and pasted her OP too)!

The first baby step is to shine your sink! See here for the Fat Fairy's tutorial...

No mission because it's Sunday. But here's the flight plan for established flyers

Grrrrrrrrr I'm off to bed, not got half of things done, dd being a madam. I've truly had enough today. I'm hoping to sleep off my grump and wake up tomorrow happier (fingers crossed)

Engels I love this one "Life isn?t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

Today really wasn't productive. At all. however, did a few more hours training and now adjusted to the kit change. Just as well considering.
Am just about to head to bed and will be starting the day bright and early laughs with the intent on kicking the chaos into line. There might have to be a scarey ta da list. But we will see.

Good morning Fledglings. Sleep fail but rested. I guess that is what happens when you essentially sleep for days on end. Feel ready to take on the world. About to grab shower and hit the ground functioning. A novel experience I have to admit.

Have good days!

Morning all.

Only plans for today are a supermarket trip, hair cut for DS and finding a "work" outfit to wear for tomorrow as I have nothing in my size and as I work at home, there's been no need to replace my office wear.

I'm going to send it to my sister Bitchy who has been "creating" herself for the last 2 years in Australia and the South Pacific (missing my wedding and birth of DS).

Blue that does make me feel better. My scales do NOT!

Pouring with rain here when I woke up this morning so guess the gardening will have to wait. Need to continue clean up of hotspots/handwashing/putting away holiday stuff and popping round to the ILs for coffee this morning (DH still on holiday this week).

BBL

Morning all!

Aching here today after 3 days in a row of shred! Will have a rest day today as I'm getting my hair cut when DD is in bed

To do;
Walk dog
Me and DD to dentist
Trip to Sunderland to catch up with old friend and see her new house
Hair cut
Wash kitchen floor
Routines
Clean inside of windows and doors
Pick up dog poo
Put DD laundry away

BBL!

Morning!

My list is:
Clean coffee table
Empty dishwasher
Get veg in and put away
Write shopping list
Order shopping
@? Sort DDs clothes
Get bread for lunch
Baby sensory with DD

Sink is still shiny!

Didn't get back yesterday because I fell asleep early, which is just as well because DS2 woke me up at 5.30am again this morning .

Had our first visit from our summer dog yesterday afternoon. Only one problem: DS2 appears to be terrified of dogs . I have spent so much time focusing on DS1's adoration of all things dog that I seem to have missed this completely. So DS2 spent the entire dog's visit hiding in his bedroom. I assume he will get used to the dog after a while, otherwise it's going to be a tricky few weeks. DS1 was very happy with his doggy companion, though, and the dog was no trouble and seemed genuinely delighted to be with us.

Did loads in the house yesterday and have loads more to do today, so mustn't linger here too long. Briefly, today's list looks like this:

Crisis clean
Buy new plants and replant window boxes
Buy teacher gifts
Shift bedroom clutter from our room into DS1's bedroom
Massive batch cook so that freezer is full of food for the holidays
Lunch
Room rescues, esp bedrooms
School run
Give blood
Dinner
Before-bed routine

Oh dear Toffee - that could make for an interesting summer! Hopefully DS2 learns to love dogs soon.

I managed to do everything on my list yesterday (which, rather than making me feel accomplished, has made me feel that I didn't have enough on the list in the first place... )

Anyway, onwards!

Ta Da:
Took dogs for extra-long walk (which has tired me out, but not them).
Baked muffins (should have been blueberry, but dogs have eaten all the blueberries off the bushes, so had to resort to chocolate)
Dog blankets in WM (a theme is emerging...)
Washed up
Cleaned out rabbits

To Do:
Make some birthday cards
Dinner - Tomato & Mozzarella Chicken
S&S Bathroom
Accounts (boo!)
And possibly bake some Apple and Cinnamon Lollipups for the dogs.

Have a good day all!

LetThereBe Tomato & Mozzarella chicken? Sounds lovely! Any chance of a recipe posting? Pretty please?!

Toffee don't assume he will get used to the dog being there. It could make the fear worse. Find out what exactly it is about the dog that is the problem. Being terrified about dogs myself I know that to be expected to cope with a dog in the house when there are issues it is just impossible and the fear grows into panic. However, if the fears are adressed - discussed/rationalised I can live in the same house as a dog. And have done. Sometimes all it takes is a slow calm introduction. Good luck with sorting it out. You will figure out neutral ground. You are clever like that.

This morning has been taken up with paperwork and finally watching a film that I should have watched ages ago. Now all i have to do is find the envelop so I can return it

Carpe - have PMd to avoid cluttering up the thread. Enjoy!

Afternoon all.

lauren am very impressed. the most I have managed is 2 consecutive days of shred (x3!). took the dvd on holiday with me where it very predictably stayed in my suitcase (so at least it's well travelled now

Ta da
hand wash
wash on
yesterday's white wash out td, folded and away
hour weeding back garden before downpour
washing-up
coffee with ILs

not sure what the rest of the day has in store for me. should really do shred or go for a run. what should i do?

Bitchy - DS2 says he doesn't like dogs licking him, which is tricky because I can't stop the dog doing that. Personally, I think he's scared because a friend's dog snapped at him when he was two. I don't think he remembers that, but it's probably coloured his attitude to dogs.

MIL called round for tea this morning and managed to put a dampener on the dog idea too: instead of saying what a lovely idea, she said oh dear, we wouldn't be able to go anywhere all summer because of the dog . I said no, on the contrary, we would be able to have lovely days out with the dog. She always looks for the downside of everything though - it's quite frustrating.

Have lost my temper with DS1 for lounging around watching sweary computer game clips on YouTube whilst I dashed about the house doing jobs. All he wants to do is watch telly or use the computer . He's reading a book now, with a very sulky, hard-done-by air about him.

Ta da list:

Crisis clean done
Buy new plants and replant window boxes done
Buy teacher gifts done
Shift bedroom clutter from our room into DS1's bedroom mostly done
Massive batch cook so that freezer is full of food for the holidays
Lunch done
Room rescues, esp bedrooms
School run
Give blood
Dinner

Am going to split the batch cook into two days' worth, so am going to make a start on a spag bol sauce now. I was going to enlist DS's reluctant help, but will let him read instead (it's quicker to do it on my own anyway).

Have just had a large bacon and tomato sandwich, so I'm all set up for giving blood later . They always say, "Have you had lunch?" and I have often forgotten, so I lie and say yes, but worry that I'm going to pass out. Not this time!

You are probably right but you could realistically stop the dog from licking ds2 without his consent. It's simple training. And an approach i take with all dogs if they want attention from me. They have to sit still and I go to fuss them. If they come to me they don't get fuss until they sit still. If the dog has the sit command it is completely achieveable in a very short space of time. Dogs want attention so they quickly learn.

Erm sure a wise dog owner will be able to explain more. have to dash for the school run. bbl.

Yes! Finished the OU assignment. What a relief. Just got to get DH to proofread it tonight then it can be submitted tomorrow. I have enjoyed it but it has been very time consuming over the last few weeks even though I was naughty and spent all day yesterday at work doing it, well it is relevant, sort of. Then decide if I want to start another module in the autumn.

Finished booking all the summer holiday childcare today too, so many forms to fill in. Just need to catch up on an enormous backlog of housework

Whoknows - I had to drop my OU courses this year because I was so disorganised and in a very bad place mentally. I want to take it up again in Oct because I am 1/3 of the way through and feel like I can not justify my existence when doing nothing at all.

To Do:
Spend time tackling under my bed - done
Sweep and Mop lounge and hall way
More ironing
Dishes
Delicates wash

What were you studying for MsOn? I'm not going for any particular qualification, this was an undergraduate module (microbiology) I wanted to do to fill a gap in my existing education. Having been away form education for 20 odd years, I found the actual studying part of it fairly easy but the assessment and the actual process of answering questions correctly, drawing all the bits of info together etc was HARD. I enjoyed it though. I'm tempted to do something completely different next, I'm registered for the Open degree, so the world is my oyster.

I'm supposed to be doing a maths and stats degree. Which I am naturally good at. I have gone through my courses cramming months worth of work into days and still getting good marks but the problem is I hate it. I can't imagine myself ending up doing something with numbers all day. I'm more creative really but I feel so lost atm and don't know what to do with myself. It is a great way of getting education as you are finding but I just hate what I am doing and feel lost. The Open course must be fun :)

Sorry I shouldn't be offloading to you but... sigh.

Evening ladies. Having a bit of a wobble in my calm composed reaction to the split tonight. DH's tenancy has been approved and I think that has just brought home that this is all really happening. I know it's still the right thing but I can't stop crying tonight. Even typing this is making me well up. DC's are ensconced in the living room having a sleepover and watching films and I just feel so lonely. I miss him and the relationship we once had. I hate the fact the dc's are going to have a split family, something i never wanted for them. I just wish things could have turned out differently. I think I have got through the last few weeks at work by being strong and holding it together but feel like I am falling apart right now.

I know this is a housework thread (at least in name) but I think of you lot as friends and I am too scared to start a thread in relationships. They'll just tell me to leave the bastard anyway

I also forgot to post links yesterday because I am a fuckwit. Sorry.

• back later

That's not good MsOn, what are your options, can you convert the modules you have done into anything else? Or put the whole thing on hold for a bit, although that isn't always possible with the transitional funding now. I guess once you've done it, you don't have to look for jobs that are all about maths and stats, it would be an impressive thing to have on your CV whatever the type of job you are after.

Ellie - I hardly ever seem to do any mention housework at the moment, thread hijacks/diversions are what makes this thread so long lasting I think. I'm sorry you have hit a rough patch, not surprising but that doesn't make it any easier. Having a split family isn't the end of the world for the DCs, it is what you all make of it, it sounds as though you and DH are doing your absolute best on that front. Also remember that there are many un-split families where things are far worse than your DCs life is going to be. It will take time, but you'll be stronger for it all in the end. I hadn't even noticed missing links BTW .

I'm tired. DCs are still up, both making Hama beads on my bed. Think I need to turf them out and go to bed myself. Night all.

Thanks whoknows. The tears had to come at some point I suppose. I think i will feel better for letting it all out so to speak.

DD is spark out on the sofa, all snuggled up. DS is watching a film and has set himself a bed up so think i will leave them there for tonight.

I am going to try and get some sleep. Am absolutely shattered which won't help the emotional outbursts!

Night Night.

Oh Ellie this thread has always been about more than about housework, which is why we always all return. You are going to have bad days but it sounds like you are doing what you know to be right and it is better to do this and still remain friends and be on good terms for DC.

Well DH is still away, I didn't get a wink of sleep last night as DD was ill and tomorrow I am leaving school as my termporary contract is over so it is my last day in employment. On the plus side, I get to spend the next 6 weeks with you lovely ladies helping me find my floor (No really ) and with my lovely DD so mixed feelings.

For the first time in a long time, I am going to prepare the pack up and uniform tonight and attempt to be in bed by 10.30 to make tomorrow a little easier.

I confesss though, I have done no flying this evening, although have been doing paperwork so I guess I can be let off.

Hope everyone is well, Toffee I hope DS gets over his apprehension at the dog. I too am scared still of dogs (Apparently had a run in with one when I was a toddler, although can't remember) but hopefully whatever is bothering him can be sorted.

Big waves to everyone else. I will return tomorrow with a renewed vigour for housework (Or drinks for the naughty corner)

ellie - ((hugs)) - are you still OK with running the thread? I'd be fine to take over again if you'd prefer.

Eyes are glazing over at the moment and I need to be doing sums instead. Sigh.

Waves to all.